AFC Asian Cup: Hong Kong boss Andersen tells players they need to be ‘harder and more aggressive’
- Head coach Jorn Andersen says players falling short of international level after surrendering initiative in Kitchee friendly
- But arrival of striker Michael Udebuluzor from Germany and return of defender Nunez will boost side
Jorn Andersen said his Hong Kong players needed to be “harder and more aggressive”, after losing 2-1 to domestic champions Kitchee on Monday.
The head coach, who reached the two-year anniversary of his appointment on the day of the game, is preparing his squad for Hong Kong’s first AFC Asian Cup finals appearance since 1968.
Andersen said “making history” by qualifying for next month’s tournament in Qatar, and reaching this year’s Asian Games semi-finals, were highlights of his time in post.
When asked to rate his body of work, Andersen said: “I am here to do my best, then other people can tell me how well I am doing.”
The Norwegian’s thoughts were dominated by the the task of injecting some devil into his team in time for their tournament opener against United Arab Emirates on January 14.
Hong Kong were bright in possession against Kitchee, and worth their one-goal half-time advantage, but the club side gradually established a stronghold after the restart, eventually scoring twice in quick succession for a deserved victory.
